Forklift Maintenance – How to water your electric forklift battery

Electric forklifts are relatively maintenance free with one exception, forklift batteries. Most electric forklifts utilize a lead-acid battery and it is critical forklift maintenance that these batteries have adequate water in them to get the maximum use and life that they are capable of providing.

This video, hosted by George Espinoza , Customer Service Manager for Hyundai Forklift of Southern California, covers the important steps in maintaining your forklift battery. George has been helping customers with their forklifts for over twenty years and as he states in the video, the number one question gets asked is, “What do I have to do to maintain my forklifts battery.

Batteries need to have the proper water level in them to assure complete and safe charging. Because batteries boil when they charge, you don’t want to much water, just enough. Water levels should be checked after charging to avoid over filling the battery. Enough water is to have the battery water level high enough to cover the lead plates inside each cell. The illustration to the right shows what that means.

Please use caution when working with your battery and especially when adding water. Wear eye protection and rubber gloves to protect you int the case of a splash when adding water.

If you have any additional questions on this issue or other maintenance issues, George would be glad to help you.

2 Responses to Forklift Maintenance – How to water your electric forklift battery

Michael Hartzell April 11, 2011 at 8:06 pm

As I see the forklifts, it takes me back to Super Dave. He survived anything!

This detailed information about forklifts and batteries is helpful. With so many customers I work with in the warehouse / distribution business, I am sure your website will be a good resource. thank you.